The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Nursing emphasizes patient-centered approaches to nursing care. The graduate nurse is able to provide highly skilled nursing care for patients and families in a variety of health care delivery settings. The program of learning includes the study of clinical application of nursing theory and principles. The graduate is eligible to apply to take the NCLEX examination to become a registered nurse.
Admission Policies for Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
The RSCC Academic Council has established (for both beginning and transfer students) the following requirements in considering applicants for admission into the Associate of Applied Science Degree Nursing Program.
Students in the RSCC nursing program may be exposed to blood, body fluids and communicable diseases. In addition there are other potential risks such as physical injury and exposure to ionizing radiation. Nursing students must comply with the various health and safety requirements mandated by the clinical agency to participate in any required clinical experience. Health, safety, and immunization requirements are established by the clinical affiliate (hospital, clinic, community setting, etc.) and not Roane State. These may include having personal health insurance. Students are encouraged to carry personal health insurance and are responsible for costs incurred due to injury or illness while enrolled.
The Nursing Admissions Committee considers all eligible applicants and recommends applicants for acceptance into the Nursing Program. Students who have not met minimum requirements will not be considered. All students meeting minimum criteria will be considered competitively, using the published applicant ranking tool. It will be to the applicant's benefit to complete as many general education courses as possible by application deadline. The earlier application date may also be considered if admission ranking is equal. MEETING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE. Preference will be given to Tennessee residents.
RSCC General Student classification admission policies for transfer students apply to transferring nursing students. Students wishing to transfer nursing credits must meet RSCC general admissions requirements. Nursing Program admission requirements must also be met with the exception of the nursing pre-admission test. A letter of recommendation including evidence of clinical and lab competency must be submitted from the director of the previous nursing program. The student must be eligible to progress in their previous program. No nursing courses earned in a school of practical nursing may be credited by transfer, although academic courses, if earned through a college or university, will be evaluated for transfer. Nursing courses from an ACEN accredited or state approved School of Nursing will be evaluated for transfer on an individual basis.
Retention Policies
Legal Limitations for Licensure
A graduate of an approved school of nursing who has been convicted of a violation of the law other than a minor traffic violation may be denied a nursing license. A graduate’s eligibility for licensure is determined on an individual basis. Applicants for initial licensure in Tennessee must obtain a criminal background check no more than 6 months prior to making application. Information about this process is supplied to students in the final year of the program. The Tennessee Board of Nursing Web site has more detailed information about this requirement. Interested parties should consult the Board of Nursing Rules and Regulation.
Academic Advisement
Nursing faculty provide academic advisement for prospective nursing students as well as for those students admitted into the program. The faculty assist students with scheduling classes and dealing with academic concerns. Students should contact a faculty member for advisement as needed. It is recommended that students experiencing academic difficulties make an appointment and discuss this with a faculty member as soon as possible.
Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression
The Roane State Community College Nursing Program has adopted the following core performance standards. Admission to and progression in the nursing program is not based on these standards, rather they will be used to assist each student in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary.
If a student believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards without accommodations or modifications, the nursing program will determine, on an individual basis, whether or not the necessary accommodations or modifications can be made reasonably.
Below are the issues, standards and some examples of necessary activities:
Critical Thinking - Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgement. (Identify cause/effect relationships in clinical situations, develop nursing care plans.)
Interpersonal - Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. (Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues.)
Communication - Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. (Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.)
Mobility - Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces. (Move around in patient’s room, work spaces, and treatment areas, administration of cardiopulmonary procedures.)
Motor Skills - Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to providing safe and effective nursing care. (Calibrate and use equipment; position patients/clients.)
Hearing - Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. (Hear monitor alarm, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, cries for help.)
Visual - Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care. (Observe patient/client responses.)
Tactile - Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. (Perform papation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertion of catheters.)
Accreditation
The Associate Degree nursing program at Roane State Community College at the Harriman Campus located in Harriman, TN 37748, the Knox County Center for Health Sciences located at 132 Hayfield Road, Knoxville, TN 37922 and the Oak Ridge Branch Campus located at 701 Briarcliff Ave., Oak Ridge, TN 37830 is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 39326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.